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— Fiber Cement Siding · WI & IA
It costs more than vinyl up front, but in Wisconsin's climate it often makes more sense long-term. Fiber cement, including James Hardie style board, doesn't crack in freeze-thaw, holds paint 15-plus years, resists hail, fire, and woodpeckers, and lasts 30 to 50 years. If you're replacing storm-damaged siding for the second time, this is the conversation to have.
Wisconsin & Iowa · We respond in 2 hours
— Why Fiber Cement
SEC 01 / 07
Wisconsin's freeze-thaw cycles, UV, hail, and even woodpeckers are what shorten a siding's life. Fiber cement is engineered against every one of them.
Unlike vinyl, fiber cement does not crack in freeze-thaw cycles. It holds its shape and seal through every Wisconsin winter.
Hailstones that dent vinyl panels typically don't penetrate fiber cement. It shrugs off most hail that would total a vinyl wall.
Fiber cement is fire resistant, a real advantage over both vinyl and wood, and one insurers and buyers value.
It doesn't attract woodpeckers, a genuine issue with wood siding in parts of Wisconsin where woodpecker activity is high.
It takes and holds paint for 15-plus years, far longer than wood, so repaint cycles are rare and color stays crisp.
In the same climate where vinyl lasts 20 to 25 years, fiber cement runs 30 to 50 years with periodic repainting.
— The James Hardie Standard
SEC 02 / 07
James Hardie is the name most associated with fiber cement, the brand that defined the category and engineered it specifically for climate zones like ours. When homeowners ask us for "Hardie board," this is the product class they mean.
We install fiber cement siding including James Hardie style board. Ask about current product availability and color lines during your free estimate.
James Hardie is the name most associated with fiber cement, the brand that defined the category and engineered it specifically for climate zones like ours. When homeowners ask us for "Hardie board," this is the product class they mean.
We install fiber cement siding including James Hardie style board. Ask about current product availability and color lines during your free estimate.
— Is It Right for You
SEC 03 / 07
It's not the right answer for every home. We'd rather tell you the truth than sell you up. Here's the honest line, and we confirm it at your free estimate.
Fiber cement makes sense if
Sounds like you? Get a free estimate →
Vinyl may be the better call if
Leaning that way? Compare vinyl siding →
— Fiber Cement vs. Vinyl
SEC 05 / 07
The comparison every first-time replacer wants. We'll walk you through both at your free estimate, with no pressure in either direction.
| Factor | Fiber Cement | Vinyl Siding |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $10–$18 / sq ft | $7–$12 / sq ft |
| Lifespan in WI | 30–50 years | 20–25 years |
| Hail resistance | Impact resistant | Dents at ½", cracks at 1" |
| Freeze-thaw | Does not crack | Can crack if struck in extreme cold |
| Painting | Holds paint 15+ years | Never, color is in the material |
| Fire resistance | Fire resistant | Not rated |
| Best for | Long-term owners, repeated hail, higher-end homes | Most standard residential budgets |
For homeowners who've had repeated hail damage or want the lowest lifetime maintenance cost, fiber cement makes the difference. For most standard budgets, vinyl is the practical choice. We help you decide, not upsell. See vinyl siding →
— Storm & Insurance
SEC 06 / 07
Storm & InsuranceSEC 06 / 07 Hail Damage Claims A storm claim can be your chance to upgrade. Hail that damaged your roof almost always damaged your siding too. Those panels are covered under most homeowner's policies, but only if the claim is documented properly. We inspect and photograph all siding damage, include it in the same adjuster scope as any roof damage, and advocate for the full approved scope. Same process as our roofing: you pay your deductible, we handle the rest, and many homeowners use that moment to step up to fiber cement. What we handle Document & photograph all siding damage Combine siding + roof in one claim Attend the adjuster meeting with you Advocate for the full approved scope You pay the deductible, we bill the rest
— Financing Available
Fiber cement is a long-term investment, and you don't have to pay it all at once. Through Service Finance Company we offer payment plans, including 0% promotional options, so the better material is within reach. Checking your rate won't affect your credit.
— What Homeowners Say
Reviews
Posted on Google Joy ITrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When the big storms came through the Madison-area in April 2026, I immediately started looking for a reputable roofer—who also understood the importance of weather-resistant materials that can withstand hail and wind. It didn’t take me long to find Brad from BCG. We had damage that needed to be repaired before the next round of storms came through later that day and Brad had a crew out within hours. Our neighbors also had damage, and when their roofing company didn’t show up, Brad and his crew also took on fixing their damage on the spot. The contracting process was done over email and we were able to clearly understand all of the options available to us. On the day of install, the crew was efficient and fast with their work. But also, mistakes can happen. And what matters to us is not that there’s perfection (because that’s not realistic), but how a contractor deals with a mistake. As they were taking down the tarps when they were finished with the roof, one of our lights next to the garage broke. Brad helped find a replacement online and had it shipped directly to our house! Such great service! All in all, we were very happy with Brad and the service we received from him and BCG. We’ve since recommended their services to several of our friends and neighbors who also had storm damage. While I hope we won’t have to do that again for a long time, we would work with BCG again in a heartbeat!Posted on Google Shelly ZieglerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely pleased with the service Matt Walmer from Buckshot General Contracting (BGC) provided for me during the hailstorm damage in Madison in April. I had just switched insurance companies one year ago and was worried about how much they would cover. Matt assured me everything would be taken care of and had nothing to worry about. True to his word he immediately answered phone calls during off hours even when he was with daughter at volleyball and answering texts in seconds Matt met up with assessor and arrived 20 minutes early. During roof replacement he stopped in 3 times to check the progress and next day he came back to do a walk around to make sure the cleanup was to his standards. I have been so blessed to work with Matt at BGC as my contractor as everything went so smoothly. No problems with my insurance company and I was the first one on my block to get my roof done. I also was telling Matt about some of my neighbors having problems with their insurance and he was willing to look at their paperwork and giving them advice on how to deal with them. I can proudly say I announced to them how good Matt was and gave them his card. Thank you so much Matt for your excellent service and being a great representative for Buckshot General Contracting. These days days it’s hard to find a business that is 100% committed to making sure the customer is their #1 concern. Going to be doing more work and sticking with them as I know it will be top quality.Posted on Google Amy StephensTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted BGC after storm damage and had them completely re-roof and re-side our house, garage, and shed. The entire process was incredibly smooth from start to finish. They were easy to work with, handled all the details, and made what could have been a stressful situation completely worry-free. Our contact, Jayce Kirkland, was outstanding. His professionalism, communication, and courteous demeanor were truly a breath of fresh air. He took care of everything for us and made sure the project stayed on track every step of the way. We couldn’t be happier with the experience and have and would highly recommend BGC to anyone needing roofing or siding work!Posted on Google Rob AnastTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very customer focused company. Replaced my roof and siding after hail and wind damage 6 years ago. Second hail and damage storm this year and they are my vendor of choice again. In process now to replace my roof and siding.Posted on Google paolo masoneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brad gave me a good price and the roof looks great! The roof was replaced in one day.Posted on Google Doug CooperTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did an excellent job! Fast, efficient and did a great job cleaning up.Posted on Google christos karampetsosTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family member needed a roof replacement after the recent storm in Madison , Chad came out to inspect the roof and went over the options with us. Full roof replacement and the new roof looks GREAT, they were done with in 2 days and left no mess behind which was very thankful for. Thanks !!Posted on Google Jason MontezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. *update* number 2 I have been through about 4 different people now to get my issue fixed. They came and fixed the side that was leaking. The contractor that came out confirmed the siding wasnt installed properly and put in some flashing to fix the issue. Since it wasnt installed right i wanted the rest of the house done to prevent other issues and the company agreed to do that. Still not done and now im dealing with yet another person who has not contacted me to resolve my issue. Told them when this job was completed i wanted a new patio door as well to get the last year of the energy credit. Crickets. I have been very patient, but am beyond frustrated at this point. *update* After posting i was contacted regarding my review. Turns out the reason i wasn’t contacted was because my salesman is no longer with the company and never responded to tell me that when i called him (his number was still correct at the time of the call). I had a rep come to my home and immediately discuss solutions to the issue. Everything was done properly on my home, its just one of those things no one could foresee. I am beyond happy with the speed things are moving once i was contacted. Already making plans for additional work needed next season. Had windows and siding done. The windows crew was fantastic. Personable as well as professional. Siding crew was also great. My issue comes with the after care. My basement was leaking during rains. It also leaked running the sprinkler for new grass. Contacted my salesman and never heard back. Been probably a month? Had a contractor friend of mine come look and the issue was the siding wasnt ran low enough (or a piece of flashing would have worked as well) to stop water from coming through the basement from under the sill plate. Id have even paid to have it corrected, but no call. My issue is a simple one, but the aftercare deserves a one. The total score is because their crews were great. The people in admin simply need to be better. I had to remove foam that was trafficking water in and will be using flex seal to create a barrier since no call was made back. Update as of april, 2026. After some frustrating back and forth one of their contractors came our and looked at my situation late summer of 2025. Confirmed the siding wasnt done properly and installed flashing where the leak was and i haven’t had an issue since. Despite the numerous tornados weve had. With that said, Fall of 2025 i told them (after being informed the siding wasn’t done properly by their guy) i told them while the basement no longer seems to leak, i want the rest of the house covered with that flashing incase their are other problems. i dont want to refinish my basement to discover issues. The “salesman” essentially accused me of only wanting free things and after him explaining to me how awesome he was and that i was wrong, i stopped the phone call. The subcontractors they hire are overall solid, but some of the staff have made the company unusable for me. Just be cautious if you use them. Communication is great… until they get your money.
— Home Base
Madison, WI · Centerville, IA
— Fiber Cement FAQ
FAQ
It costs more up front but often makes more sense long-term here: it doesn’t crack in freeze-thaw, holds paint 15-plus years, resists hail and fire, and lasts 30 to 50 years versus 20 to 25 for vinyl. If you’ve had repeated hail or you’re a long-term owner, it’s worth the conversation. For a standard budget or short stay, vinyl is the practical choice. Compare vinyl →
James Hardie is the manufacturer most associated with fiber cement, the brand that defined the category. When homeowners say “Hardie board” they mean this product class: durable, climate-engineered fiber cement in lap, panel, and shake styles. We install fiber cement siding including James Hardie style board, ask about current product and color availability at your free estimate.
Fiber cement runs $10 to $18 per square foot installed depending on product, profile, and sheathing condition. A typical 2,000 sq ft home averages $14,000 to $22,000 for a full replacement. Vinyl is less up front but lasts fewer years. Call (608) 909-9109 for a free on-site estimate. Financing is available for qualified projects.
Yes. It’s impact resistant, hailstones that dent vinyl panels typically don’t penetrate fiber cement. It’s not fully immune at the largest hail sizes, but it holds up far better than vinyl, which is exactly why repeat-hail homeowners upgrade to it. See storm damage →
It holds paint for 15-plus years, far longer than wood, and is available in baked-in color options too. So while it’s not zero-maintenance like vinyl, repaint cycles are rare and the finish stays crisp for a long time.
If hail or wind damaged your siding, most policies cover the replacement minus your deductible. Coverage pays toward like-kind replacement; if you upgrade to fiber cement, you typically pay the cost difference. We document the damage, handle the claim, and walk you through your exact coverage during the free inspection.
— Related Services & Locations
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Free Siding Estimate
Free on-site estimate, an honest fiber-cement-vs-vinyl recommendation, samples brought to your home, and financing if you need it. Family-owned since 1979, WI Lic. DC-080900045, across Wisconsin and Iowa.
Crew available todayFreeInspection1 dayMost installsDeductible onlyOn covered claims4.9 / 5200+ Google reviews
The guides tell you what to check from the ground. We get on the ladder, photograph every facet, and tell you straight: a claim, a repair, or nothing to worry about.
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